The best things to do in Santa Cruz

49 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 49 places · showing the latest additions first

San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range…

1560 Oakland Rd (San Jose)

San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range for tune-ups. Play a round, take a lesson if your slice needs therapy, then refuel on the patio at Muni Bar & Grill...

From the San Jose newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Need a breezy reset close to home? Lake Merritt Amphitheater lines up a pretty perfect combo of shoreline strolls, lakeside art, birds…

QPXQ+Q9, Between 12th Street and 1st Ave., Lake Merritt Blvd (Oakland)

Need a breezy reset close to home? Lake Merritt Amphitheater lines up a pretty perfect combo of shoreline strolls, lakeside art, birds galore, and community performances. Pack a blanket, meet a friend, and let the Necklace of Lights make the evening feel a little extra.

From the Oakland newsletter, September 16, 2026

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SUP Shack Santa Cruz has SUP and kayak rentals, quick intro lessons, and private coaching in the calm harbor, so you can slide past the…

2214 E Cliff Dr

SUP Shack Santa Cruz has SUP and kayak rentals, quick intro lessons, and private coaching in the calm harbor, so you can slide past the kelp with otters and seals. Sneak in a weekday session, reset the brain, then brag about “cross-training” at work.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus…

748 Story Rd (San Jose)

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus hands-on education programs that turn curiosity into giggles. Low-stress, high-smile San Jose staple when you need an easy kid win this week.

From the San Jose newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Golfland San Jose

Entertainment

Golfland San Jose is the low-lift pick-me-up for any weeknight, serving award-winning mini golf backed by over 70 years of family-fun…

976 Blossom Hill Rd (San Jose)

Golfland San Jose is the low-lift pick-me-up for any weeknight, serving award-winning mini golf backed by over 70 years of family-fun know-how. Round up the crew, trade playful trash talk, and chase that deeply satisfying plunk when your last putt disappears.

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

601 Van Ness Ave (San Francisco)

Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

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The Olympic Club

Entertainment

If you’ve got a membership or a buddy who does, The Olympic Club serves up the Lake, Ocean and Cliffs courses that have hosted U.S. Opens…

599 CA-35 (San Francisco)

S. Opens and will welcome the 2028 PGA Championship and 2033 Ryder Cup, plus serious fitness, pools and courts when you’re off the fairway.

From the Daly City newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

925 Blossom Hill Rd #2000 (San Jose)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Whether you're grooving pre-round or escaping the fog, Sandbaggers Golf Spot pairs Foresight Sports simulators with a roomy putting green…

2292 Quimby Rd (San Jose)

Whether you're grooving pre-round or escaping the fog, Sandbaggers Golf Spot pairs Foresight Sports simulators with a roomy putting green and league vibes that actually feel friendly.

From the San Jose newsletter, September 14, 2026

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California Theatre

Entertainment

California Theatre blends 1927 movie-palace opulence with modern production tech, so shows actually look and sound sharp. It regularly…

345 S 1st St (San Jose)

California Theatre blends 1927 movie-palace opulence with modern production tech, so shows actually look and sound sharp. It regularly hosts Opera San Jose, Symphony San Jose and more, and you can even rent it for weddings or special events when you want your big night to feel cinematic.

From the Santa Clara newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.

1901 Monterey Rd (San Jose)

Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.

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Skip the overthinking and make a quick coast run, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk brings rides for all ages, the Casino Arcade, mini golf, and…

400 Beach St

Skip the overthinking and make a quick coast run, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk brings rides for all ages, the Casino Arcade, mini golf, and even bowling under one salty breeze. This week the Looff Carousel 115th Anniversary is spinning all month, so go claim your nostalgia.

From the Watsonville newsletter, August 17, 2026

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Topgolf

Entertainment

Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.

10 Topgolf Dr (San Jose)

Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.

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Santa Cruz Cinema

Entertainment

Santa Cruz Cinema keeps it local with multiple screens, plush seating, and the full popcorn situation, plus presale tickets so you can…

1405 Pacific Ave

Santa Cruz Cinema keeps it local with multiple screens, plush seating, and the full popcorn situation, plus presale tickets so you can actually sit where you want. New releases, occasional events, and the Movie Perks program make it an easy favorite when the fog rolls in.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Fleming 9 Course

Entertainment

Fleming 9 Course is TPC Harding Park’s relaxed nine-hole, par-30 loop tucked inside the championship layout, with six par-3s, three par-4s…

99 Harding Rd (San Francisco)

Fleming 9 Course is TPC Harding Park’s relaxed nine-hole, par-30 loop tucked inside the championship layout, with six par-3s, three par-4s and an opening 405-yard tester that puts a premium on accuracy and club selection. Great for all abilities and perfect when you want golf without the whole-day commitment.

From the Daly City newsletter, September 22, 2026

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Whether your short game needs love or you just want to linger over a meal with a view, Boulder Ridge Golf Club delivers. Pristine 18-hole…

1000 Old Quarry Rd (San Jose)

Whether your short game needs love or you just want to linger over a meal with a view, Boulder Ridge Golf Club delivers. Pristine 18-hole course, San Jose’s sun-soaked hills, an outdoor dining patio, and a spacious pavilion for reconnecting with the crew make it an easy local escape.

From the San Jose newsletter, August 11, 2026

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Dial in your swing at Santa Teresa Golf Club on the driving range, then sneak in the 9-hole Short Course or book a lesson if the slice is…

260 Bernal Rd (San Jose)

Dial in your swing at Santa Teresa Golf Club on the driving range, then sneak in the 9-hole Short Course or book a lesson if the slice is winning. Solid instruction, a friendly vibe, and an on-site bar and grill mean you can make a proper afternoon of it.

From the Gilroy newsletter, August 11, 2026

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West Wind Capitol Drive-In keeps the retro magic alive with first-run movies on a giant outdoor screen, with audio coming through your…

3630 Hillcap Ave (San Jose)

West Wind Capitol Drive-In keeps the retro magic alive with first-run movies on a giant outdoor screen, with audio coming through your car’s FM radio. Load up the crew, snag popcorn from the concession stand, crack the windows, and call it the easiest weeknight plan you’ll actually look forward to.

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Farming Hope

Entertainment

Farming Hope is a culinary job training and food justice nonprofit cooking up community dinners and events, paired with paid, 12-week…

690 Van Ness Ave (San Francisco)

Farming Hope is a culinary job training and food justice nonprofit cooking up community dinners and events, paired with paid, 12-week apprenticeships. Think Bay Area flavor with purpose, from rescuing surplus food to 1M+ meals cooked and 200+ apprentices trained.

From the San Francisco newsletter, September 10, 2026

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Skip the couch and hit CineLux Scotts Valley Café & Lounge for first-run hits and curated throwbacks, then make it a full night with local…

226 Mt Hermon Rd (Scotts Valley)

Skip the couch and hit CineLux Scotts Valley Café & Lounge for first-run hits and curated throwbacks, then make it a full night with local beer, wine, cocktails, and legit snacks from the café. Perfect midweek reset this week when you need big-screen energy without leaving the bubble.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Dial in your swing at the golf academy, play nine or the full 27, then park it on the patio for post-round bites. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club…

23600 McKean Rd (San Jose)

Dial in your swing at the golf academy, play nine or the full 27, then park it on the patio for post-round bites. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club nails the local trifecta of practice, play, and hangout, with a handy pro shop, making it an easy nearby go-to when the golf itch hits.

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

3088 Olsen Dr (San Jose)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Whether you're craving cinema that gets weird in the best way this week or a hands-on workshop to tinker with film and sound, Shapeshifters…

567 5th St (Oakland)

Whether you're craving cinema that gets weird in the best way this week or a hands-on workshop to tinker with film and sound, Shapeshifters Cinema hosts intimate screenings and performances, then pours their on-site Shapeshifters Brewery beers and café goodness so your brain and taste buds both leave happy.

From the Oakland newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is a friendly, playable track with quick online check-in, lessons that actually help, and even Foot Golf when…

1649 Hermocilla Way (San Jose)

Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is a friendly, playable track with quick online check-in, lessons that actually help, and even Foot Golf when you want to mix it up. Solid for juniors and league players too, plus tournaments and camps keep the calendar interesting for your crew.

From the Ceres newsletter, September 5, 2026

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San Francisco Cinematheque has been championing artist-made, non-commercial cinema since 1961, curating screenings, in-person artist…

55 Taylor St (San Francisco)

San Francisco Cinematheque has been championing artist-made, non-commercial cinema since 1961, curating screenings, in-person artist presentations and its annual CROSSROADS festival.

From the San Francisco newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Burnside Mural and Steps brings Glen Park’s community spirit to life with a colorful stairway project, guided by tile maestros Aileen Barr…

59 Burnside Ave (San Francisco)

Burnside Mural and Steps brings Glen Park’s community spirit to life with a colorful stairway project, guided by tile maestros Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher. Swing by this week for a mood boost, spot the waves, bubbles, and leaves motifs, and maybe find tiles your neighbors made.

From the Daly City newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Pasatiempo Golf Course is a historic Alister MacKenzie design with restored 1929-style greens and bunkers, a legit Top 100 track that still…

20 Clubhouse Rd

Pasatiempo Golf Course is a historic Alister MacKenzie design with restored 1929-style greens and bunkers, a legit Top 100 track that still sets aside public tee times each day, delivering beauty, strategy, and the kind of short-game education you feel in your calves.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Round1 Bowling & Arcade is the all-ages spot for chasing high scores, rolling strikes, belting off-key bangers, and grabbing a drink while…

2200 Eastridge Loop Ste 2094 (San Jose) · ✓ checked Aug 28

Round1 Bowling & Arcade is the all-ages spot for chasing high scores, rolling strikes, belting off-key bangers, and grabbing a drink while friends battle it out at billiards. Easy choice for parties or those nights when you need a quick plan that actually gets everyone off the couch.

From the Los Banos newsletter, September 3, 2026

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TPC Harding Park

Entertainment

TPC Harding Park is a city-owned, PGA TOUR-managed classic offering the 18-hole Harding Park Course, the 9-hole Fleming for faster rounds,…

99 Harding Rd (San Francisco)

TPC Harding Park is a city-owned, PGA TOUR-managed classic offering the 18-hole Harding Park Course, the 9-hole Fleming for faster rounds, and a Toptracer-powered practice range. Play or practice, then refuel with Modern American cuisine and those breathtaking views that make doubles feel like pars.

From the Daly City newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Balmy Alley

Entertainment

Balmy Alley in San Francisco’s Mission District packs the city’s most concentrated run of murals, begun in the mid-80s from artists’…

50 Balmy St (San Francisco)

Balmy Alley in San Francisco’s Mission District packs the city’s most concentrated run of murals, begun in the mid-80s from artists’ outrage over human rights abuses in Central America and still evolving. Stretch your legs on foot for a quick art fix, or join a Precita Eyes tour for the stories behind the paint.

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, September 10, 2026

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Landmark's Del Mar Theatre nails the sweet spot between indie discoveries and crowd-pleasers, with an art deco grand auditorium, weekly…

1124 Pacific Ave #4415

Landmark's Del Mar Theatre nails the sweet spot between indie discoveries and crowd-pleasers, with an art deco grand auditorium, weekly Midnight Movies, beer and wine, and organic popcorn with real butter. Locals love it for the community feel and those Santa Cruz Waves Swellies bragging rights.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Whether you’re craving an Art Deco night out or live-music goosebumps, Paramount Theatre Oakland keeps the calendar stacked with classic…

2025 Broadway (Oakland)

Whether you’re craving an Art Deco night out or live-music goosebumps, Paramount Theatre Oakland keeps the calendar stacked with classic films, ballet and symphony standouts. Slide in this week for Brad Mehldau: Ride Into The Sun on August 29, then keep an eye on Snarky Puppy and Luna Mexicana.

From the Alameda newsletter, August 24, 2026

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CineLux Almaden Café & Lounge is Willow Glen’s easy choice when you want luxury seating, a full café pouring beer, wine, and cocktails,…

2306 Almaden Rd (San Jose)

CineLux Almaden Café & Lounge is Willow Glen’s easy choice when you want luxury seating, a full café pouring beer, wine, and cocktails, plus actually good burgers and sliders. They mix big releases with indies, so it’s a legit date night or low-key Tuesday unwind without leaving the neighborhood.

From the San Jose newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Clarion Alley Street Art is a Mission District corridor packed with community murals that don’t shy away from politics, powered by the…

90 Clarion Alley (San Francisco)

Clarion Alley Street Art is a Mission District corridor packed with community murals that don’t shy away from politics, powered by the grassroots Clarion Alley Mural Project since 1992 with over 900 works to date. Expect bold storytelling and social justice messages, plus the buzz of 200,000 annual visitors...

From the San Ramon newsletter, September 11, 2026

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Grand Lake Theatre

Entertainment

Grand Lake Theatre is Oakland’s movie palace where first‑run flicks meet showmanship, from a live Wurlitzer prelude to true two‑projector…

3200 Grand Ave (Oakland)

Grand Lake Theatre is Oakland’s movie palace where first‑run flicks meet showmanship, from a live Wurlitzer prelude to true two‑projector 3‑D and occasional 70MM epics. This week, cue the silent‑era thrills with Safety Last accompanied by a live orchestra and extended organ concert.

From the Oakland newsletter, August 25, 2026

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When you want a real-deal private screening or team training that actually looks and sounds right, Delancey Street Screening Room delivers…

600 The Embarcadero (San Francisco)

When you want a real-deal private screening or team training that actually looks and sounds right, Delancey Street Screening Room delivers THX-certified projection, ergonomic seating for 146, DCP and 35mm options, a small stage and a lobby wet bar, plus projectionists included... basically zero tech headaches.

From the Antioch newsletter, September 19, 2026

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The Castro Theatre

Entertainment

A circa-1922 icon, The Castro Theatre delivers the kind of night out you actually text your group about, with offbeat films, rowdy musical…

429 Castro St (San Francisco)

A circa-1922 icon, The Castro Theatre delivers the kind of night out you actually text your group about, with offbeat films, rowdy musical sing-alongs, drag spectacles, and the occasional pre-show organ flourish. It’s the neighborhood’s living room for big feelings, weird laughs, and unapologetically queer culture.

From the San Francisco newsletter, September 14, 2026

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Gleneagles

Entertainment

Gleneagles threads cypress-lined fairways through McLaren Park, then tempts you with maybe the finest 19th hole in the city. Bonus for…

2100 Sunnydale Ave (San Francisco)

Gleneagles threads cypress-lined fairways through McLaren Park, then tempts you with maybe the finest 19th hole in the city. m. on weekends and holidays, so pack putters and go chase birdies of both kinds.

From the South San Francisco newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Los Lagos Golf Course serves up an 18-hole layout, a legit driving range for dialing in, lessons when the slice shows up, a well-stocked…

2995 Tuers Rd (San Jose)

Los Lagos Golf Course serves up an 18-hole layout, a legit driving range for dialing in, lessons when the slice shows up, a well-stocked pro shop, and a restaurant to debrief. Bonus, it is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, so your birdies come with actual birds.

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Undertow Spinning Coaster is your quick dopamine tune-up, flinging you into grin-inducing spins that turn marine layer blues into pure…

400 Beach St

Undertow Spinning Coaster is your quick dopamine tune-up, flinging you into grin-inducing spins that turn marine layer blues into pure cackle energy. Grab a friend and let a couple laps reset the week the Santa Cruz way.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, August 18, 2026

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Known as America’s Best Rose Garden, Municipal Rose Garden packs thousands of roses across five and a half acres, with nearly 200 varieties…

1649 Naglee Ave (San Jose)

Known as America’s Best Rose Garden, Municipal Rose Garden packs thousands of roses across five and a half acres, with nearly 200 varieties around a central fountain and rolling lawns. Perfect for a quick reset, slow walks, and photo ops when you need easy beauty close to home.

From the Santa Clara newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Folsom Mural

Entertainment

Folsom Mural by illustrator-muralist Kim Sielbeck delivers a riot of color and playful shapes in the Mission, perfect for a quick art boost…

2722 Folsom St (San Francisco)

Folsom Mural by illustrator-muralist Kim Sielbeck delivers a riot of color and playful shapes in the Mission, perfect for a quick art boost this week. Grab a friend, soak up the saturated palettes, then ride that happy-brain energy back across the bridge.

From the Richmond newsletter, August 13, 2026

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African American Art & Culture Complex centers Black art in the Fillmore with rotating exhibitions, theater, and classes for youth and…

762 Fulton St (San Francisco)

African American Art & Culture Complex centers Black art in the Fillmore with rotating exhibitions, theater, and classes for youth and adults. Catch Emory Douglas: In Our Lifetime, explore Artists in Residence projects, and swing by Community Days if you like art that sparks conversation and actual community.

From the San Francisco newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Stagecoach Greens

Entertainment

Stagecoach Greens is San Francisco’s only outdoor mini golf course, turning each hole into a bite-size story about the city’s booms, busts…

1379 4th St (San Francisco)

Stagecoach Greens is San Francisco’s only outdoor mini golf course, turning each hole into a bite-size story about the city’s booms, busts and fog, complete with quick videos if you want the lore. Bonus points: proceeds support local foster youth through Braid Mission, and drinks are welcome while you putt.

From the Oakley newsletter, September 12, 2026

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DeLaveaga Golf Course keeps locals honest with that notorious 10th, ocean-view vibes, and a two-level range when you just want to groove…

401 Upper Park Rd

DeLaveaga Golf Course keeps locals honest with that notorious 10th, ocean-view vibes, and a two-level range when you just want to groove the swing. The shop is dialed, and post-round eats at the on-site grille and bars make it easy to stretch nine into social time.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Fever Hub San Francisco | Immersive Experience Center is rolling out immersive VR adventures that mix playtime with legit learning, from…

3251 20th Ave Stonestown Galleria, 3251 20th Ave (San Francisco)

Fever Hub San Francisco | Immersive Experience Center is rolling out immersive VR adventures that mix playtime with legit learning, from historical simulations to cultural expeditions and multi-sensory fun. Experiences are launching soon, so put it on your radar this week for a quick escape when the fog rolls in.

From the Daly City newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Neptune's Kingdom

Entertainment

Neptune’s Kingdom turns mini golf into a two-story, 18-hole adventure inside the Boardwalk, complete with ship-shape theming that makes…

400 Beach St

Neptune’s Kingdom turns mini golf into a two-story, 18-hole adventure inside the Boardwalk, complete with ship-shape theming that makes every tap feel like treasure hunting. Round up your crew, trade some friendly smack talk, and settle who the real captain is this week.

From the Watsonville newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Urban Putt San Jose

Entertainment

Urban Putt San Jose turns date night into sci-fi fun with an 18-hole, San Jose-inspired course starring a crashed UFO and other…

201 S Second St Ste 150 (San Jose)

Urban Putt San Jose turns date night into sci-fi fun with an 18-hole, San Jose-inspired course starring a crashed UFO and other delightfully weird obstacles. Stick around for shareable bites, pizzas by San Jose chef Chad Ferry, and inventive cocktails you can take onto the course for maximum putt joy.

From the San Jose newsletter, August 18, 2026

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If you're ready to level up your weekly rounds, Almaden Golf & Country Club is a private, member-owned spot in Almaden Valley with an…

6663 Hampton Dr (San Jose)

If you're ready to level up your weekly rounds, Almaden Golf & Country Club is a private, member-owned spot in Almaden Valley with an 18-hole championship course framed by the Santa Cruz Mountains. Clubhouse energy, tennis, a swimming pavilion, a fitness center, and a pro shop keep the good rounds rolling.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, August 14, 2026

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